seek absolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek absolution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is looking for forgiveness or release from guilt, often in a religious or moral sense. Example: "After years of wrongdoing, he decided to seek absolution for his past actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I don't seek absolution.

The New Yorker

The Mormon Church provides a chance for sinners to be forgiven and to seek absolution.

The New York Times - Books

In 2010, the disgraced former home-run king emerged from exile to seek absolution from Bob Costas.

The Guardian - Sport

It was only by promising to seek absolution from the ban within a year that Henry could reach a postponement of the election.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I call in a priest and to the horror of my friends I confess, seek absolution for my sins and receive extreme unction.

The Guardian - Film

Tim's faith gives him some Graham Greene-ish moments in the confessional, reluctant to seek absolution for what he can no longer believe is a sin, and traveling through a spiritual desert as a consequence.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Our Anglican priest seeks absolution.

Independent

Some were already seeking absolution for screwing up the economy.

The Economist

Like Catholic confession, it's not about exploring feelings; it's about seeking absolution.

The New Yorker

If he is seeking absolution, he does not find it in this story.

The New York Times

By seeking absolution from people with their own political agenda, Mr. Imus lost custody of his apology.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add depth, specify the actions or attitudes that demonstrate the seeking of absolution, such as confessing, making amends, or changing behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "seek absolution" when the intention is merely to rationalize or justify past actions without genuine remorse or a commitment to change. Absolution requires acknowledging wrongdoing, not explaining it away.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek absolution" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of trying to obtain forgiveness or redemption. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in English. Examples show it used in both religious and secular contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek absolution" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of trying to obtain forgiveness or redemption. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is generally considered correct and applicable in both religious and secular contexts. While alternatives like "request forgiveness" or "pursue redemption" exist, "seek absolution" carries a specific weight, often implying a deeper sense of remorse. The phrase's usage is most prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, making it a versatile expression for various forms of writing and communication. It is crucial to use this phrase when you truly mean to ask for a release from guilt and regret, with or without a religious context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request forgiveness

Focuses on the act of asking for forgiveness, shifting from the more general concept of absolution.

pursue redemption

Emphasizes the active effort to atone for past actions, highlighting the journey toward absolution.

look for atonement

Highlights the act of seeking reconciliation or reparation for wrongdoing.

desire expiation

A more formal term implying a need to cleanse oneself from guilt or sin.

crave remission

Emphasizes the longing for release or pardon, often in a religious context.

yearn for forgiveness

Highlights the emotional aspect of wanting to be forgiven.

be contrite

Focuses on expressing remorse and regret.

show repentance

Emphasizes demonstrating sincere regret and a change in behavior.

ask for penance

Highlights the request to receive a specific act to perform in order to show regret.

seek reconciliation

Focuses on restoring relationships that were damaged by the wrongdoing, extending the need for absolution to another party.

FAQs

How can I use "seek absolution" in a sentence?

You can use "seek absolution" to describe someone who is trying to obtain forgiveness for a wrongdoing. For example, "After betraying his friend, he decided to "seek absolution" through acts of kindness and remorse".

What's the difference between ""seek absolution"" and "request forgiveness"?

"Seek absolution" implies a broader, more profound process of seeking release from guilt, often with religious connotations, while "request forgiveness" is a more direct and personal appeal for pardon.

What can I say instead of ""seek absolution""?

You can use alternatives like "request forgiveness", "pursue redemption", or "look for atonement" depending on the context.

Is ""seek absolution"" only used in religious contexts?

While often used in religious contexts to describe seeking forgiveness from God or a religious authority, ""seek absolution"" can also be used more broadly to describe seeking forgiveness or release from guilt in secular or moral contexts.